Dr. Owureku-Asare added that cancer-fighting substances like lycopene and other antioxidants in tomatoes are easily being destroyed at these markets, a measure of market conditions across the country.

She also observed that significant amounts of pesticide residue in some foods like cabbage, lettuce, okro, “kontomire”, maize and beans from misapplication of pesticides have significant health implications.

Groundnut paste is mixed with powder made from dried cassava (Konkonte) while more than 98% of palm oil is adulterated with cancer-causing agents, her research revealed.

Shrimp, as well as fish powder, was also found to have been mixed with sawdust, describing the practice as food fraud.